SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — St. Patrick’s Day is baseball’s version of separation Saturday in college football. This is the point in spring training when reality clobbers the roster, crushes dreams. The Rockies are moving toward opening day with difficult decisions, a reflection of improved depth and surprising performances in the Cactus League.

Center field is the only starting job hanging in the balance. The contenders now include Brandon Barnes. A platoon remains the most viable option. Drew Stubbs strikes out too much, but when it comes to defense, it’s him and everybody else. He’s the fastest player on the roster and a legitimate stolen base threat. The right-handed hitter is going to get an opportunity to play against left-handers — and possibly against some easier right-handers at Coors Field, where breaking balls are marginalized. Barnes has created fans on the coaching staff because of his relentless style. He profiles as a Ryan Spilborghs-type player.

That leaves Corey Dickerson and Charlie Blackmon as the left-handed hitters still in the mix. Dickerson’s power continues to intrigue. He’s willing and eager to play a part-time role, believing his swing is conducive to coming off the bench. Blackmon is a better defender with a better arm. Second-year manager Walt Weiss believes Dickerson can handle center field at Coors Field, an opinion not shared by the handful of scouts I have asked. Blackmon could be a fit for the Phillies, Tigers or Mariners. The Rockies aren’t inclined to make a move at this point. Dickerson faces a challenge because you can’t hide fielders in left or center in Denver. Still, he’s improving defensively, leaving the competition a dead heat.

Elsewhere, Charlie Culberson as a utility man has merit. Paul Janish has had the best camp. And Ryan Wheeler has left Weiss wondering if he should keep a left-handed bat in a reserve role. That might be a luxury the Rockies can’t afford, but it has Weiss mulling how to configure his bench.

The fifth starter has two contenders. Franklin Morales flashes talent but has trouble maintaining his stuff, creating the possibility he’d be more valuable in the bullpen. Jordan Lyles is as advertised: power fastball, but his pitches too often remain on the same plane, leaving him vulnerable if he doesn’t throw low strikes.

If relief pitcher Boone Logan avoids a setback and breaks camp, there’s one vacancy in the bullpen. Chad Bettis has the slight edge after reaching 97 mph Friday. He has shown better composure and delivery as he grows more comfortable in a relief role he last occupied at Texas Tech. Chris Martin is a longshot. This position could swing on the Morales’ decision.

A bold stroke would have been keeping Eddie Butler in the rotation, since it feels like anyone in the fifth slot is just keeping the seat warm for him. He’s advanced dramatically over the last six months and shows control at a higher velocity. He struck out the Giants’ Hector Sanchez with a changeup Friday that should have been accompanied by a Looney Tunes soundtrack.

Butler was optioned Saturday. He’s so competitive, he couldn’t hide his disappointment. He isn’t ready. OK, but he isn’t far away, a necessary weapon if this Rockies team is going to have a surprise season.

Troy is a former Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies beat writer for The Denver Post. He joined the news organization in 2002 as the Rockies' beat writer and became a Broncos beat writer in 2014 before assuming the lead role ahead of the 2015 season. He left The Post in 2015.

More in Sports

David Wise dug deep Thursday on his final run, spinning the strongest run of his stellar career with back-to-back switch double corks to sneak past teammate Alex Ferreira and claim his second Olympic gold.

EDMONTON, Alberta — In two games since returning from an eight-game injury absence, Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon has four points, including a goal, and multiple shots off the post or crossbar. The 22-year-old has undoubtedly re-proven that he is the Avs’ most valuable player — the player they must have in the lineup to make a legitimate playoff push.